[tangential]

I'm looking for a neutral sounding amp for some music tracking and mixing.  I am aware of the issues with using headphones for this purpose, but sadly, I live in an apartment with thin walls and really don't have the luxury of using studio monitors right now.
 
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd think something primarily solid-state would be best as I'm not sure the warmth that tubes would necessarily be something I'd want for my purposes.  That said, I'm definitely open to tube options if anyone thinks that's the best route to go.   
 
I'll probably be connecting the amp to an RME Babyface.  Thanks!

 

[HaVoC-28]

Quote:

I'm looking for a neutral sounding amp for some music tracking and mixing.  I am aware of the issues with using headphones for this purpose, but sadly, I live in an apartment with thin walls and really don't have the luxury of using studio monitors right now.
 
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd think something primarily solid-state would be best as I'm not sure the warmth that tubes would necessarily be something I'd want for my purposes.  That said, I'm definitely open to tube options if anyone thinks that's the best route to go.   
 
I'll probably be connecting the amp to an RME Babyface.  Thanks!

 
O2 , Lake People G103S/G109S . Should be On your budget . 

 

[cswann1]

You'd probably be surprised at how little difference in sound there is between the "warmest and smoothest" tube amps and the most "cold and analytical" solid state amps.  Your headphones will yield orders of magnitude more in the way of coloration to your rigs overall sound signature.
 
In your place I'd probably get a M^3

 

[Pudu]

I think the Valhalla is a sweet spot for the 880/600s.

 

[jcx]

Quote:

I am aware of the issues with using headphones for this purpose, but sadly, I live in an apartment with thin walls and really don't have the luxury of using studio monitors right now.

SVS Realizer - with the included Stax system is less than 1 month's rent in my city for something really big enough, well isolated to put a decent mixing setup in

 

[tangential]

Thanks everyone.  I will have to look into all of your suggestions.
 
Quote:

SVS Realizer - with the included Stax system is less than 1 month's rent in my city for something really big enough, well isolated to put a decent mixing setup in

 
This is actually extremely intriguing, but I think I'll have to relegate it to the future.  I'm also not incredibly keen on purchasing a company's first version of a new product as it seems like there are always some lessons to be learned once people start using them that are incorporated into future releases.  Thank you though for making me aware that such a thing even exists.

 

[jcx]

The Realizer has been out for over 3 years, has had a revision to dual output, added HDMI interface
 
I'm sure considerable amount of possible 1st release bugs would have been found, fixed
 
 
the perfect is the enemy of the good - but waiting for perfect does save your wallet in the meantime

 

[punks15]

Quote:

I'm looking for a neutral sounding amp for some music tracking and mixing.  I am aware of the issues with using headphones for this purpose, but sadly, I live in an apartment with thin walls and really don't have the luxury of using studio monitors right now.
 
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I'd think something primarily solid-state would be best as I'm not sure the warmth that tubes would necessarily be something I'd want for my purposes.  That said, I'm definitely open to tube options if anyone thinks that's the best route to go.   
 
I'll probably be connecting the amp to an RME Babyface.  Thanks!

Neutrality, perhaps O2. Or maybe you want to build a gainclone

 

[USAudio]

Schiit Magni:
http://schiit.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=13